These programs give an interesting insight into the development of Bob Hope's radio career, just before he became "the serviceman's jester" in World War II, tailoring his program and material virtually towards them.

Bob's "PEPSODENT SHOW" continued through 1948- then Lever Brothers, worried about a slight decline in his ratings, shifted him to another of their products, Swan soap {"THE NEW SWAN SHOW STARRING BOB HOPE"}, slightly revamping his format [eliminating Jerry Colonna, adding Doris Day as his vocalist, et. al.], sustaining him through 1950. Then, because of a dispute concerning the taping of his program in advance, they ended their sponsorship. Liggett & Myers' Chesterfield cigarettes became his new sponsor in the fall of 1950 (with Bob bringing Colonna back by early '51). Then, General Foods {Jell-O} became his sponsor in January 1953 (while sustaining his daily 15 minute show at the same time), followed by the American Dairy Association that fall. But more people were beginning to watch television than listen to radio in the early '50s, and Hope's audience slowly declined. When Jack Benny announced his "retirement" from radio to concentrate on his TV show in early 1955, Bob decided to follow his lead, and did his last radio show in April 1955.